Education and Outreach Coordinator- Denver Zoo

At Denver Zoo, our mission is to secure a better world for animals through human understanding. We are a respected leader in animal care and exhibition, conservation programs, scientific study, environmental education and public service.

Summary:

This position advances the mission of Denver Zoo by overseeing the development and implementation of a conservation education and outreach program for the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge (located in Watrous, New Mexico). This position will work collaboratively with the Rocky Mountain/Great Plains (RMGP) Program Director, Rio Mora staff, the Department of Conservation Biology’s Director of Conservation Education and key external partners to assess, develop, implement, evaluate, and improve conservation awareness through targeted outreach and education programs for youth and adult audiences. This position will also develop and write grants and fundraise as needed for program development.

This position, which is grant funded, will be evaluated one year from the hire date and will be contingent upon available funding and an agreed annual work plan in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between Denver Zoological Foundation and United States Fish and Wildlife Service for management, research, and education programming at the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge.

***The employee works in an office at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge in northern New Mexico and also throughout northern New Mexico. Significant time will also be spent at the Conservation Biology Department offices in Denver, CO.

Essential Functions:

Spearhead the development of a strategic plan for a community outreach and education program at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge
Work with the RMGP Program Director and the Director of Conservation Education to assess, develop, implement, evaluate, and improve all conservation education and community engagement programs at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge
Collaborate with key partners including universities, government agencies, tribal nations, non-profit organizations, and local school districts
Secure funding to support Rio Mora conservation education and community engagement programs by collaborating with appropriate personnel to develop and implement fundraising strategies, including grant-writing
Oversee annual Rio Mora conservation education and community outreach budgets and reporting
Broadly promote Denver Zoo’s and Rio Mora NWR’s conservation education and community engagement mission and initiatives to the Denver Zoo community, key partners and allies, targeted audiences, and the general public via a variety of methods

Additional Responsibilities

Assist with Rio Mora NWR land and facilities care, as needed
Assist with Rio Mora NWR research and restoration efforts, as needed
Travel to and from Denver as needed
Performs various tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in education, science, conservation or a related discipline; graduate degree a plus
At least 3 years of experience working in conservation education or related experience
Training in curriculum development and the delivery of curriculum-based programs to youth and adult audiences
Experience developing and managing programs and program budgets
Demonstrated knowledge of program evaluation and backwards design preferred
Proven history of fundraising success
Proven history of building successful partnerships with agencies, organizations, and other community allies and stakeholders
Experience working with rural publics and diverse cultures
Experience teaching scientifically rigorous coursework to middle school and high school students is preferred
Ability to work in a wide variety of settings, communicate conservation goals effectively to different audiences, and represent Denver Zoo in a culturally-sensitive manner
Comfortable producing and giving presentations and working with various communication technologies
Ability to work irregular hours
Ability to travel frequently in Northern New Mexico and to Denver
Strong Spanish language skills a plus
Experience working with Native American pueblos, a background in environmental education, and experience living and working in rural Northern New Mexico are a plus
Valid driver’s license, with clean motor vehicle record and ability to pass a Defensive Driving course; ability to drive a manual transmission a plus

This is a regular full-time position with excellent benefits including complete medical/dental/vision coverage, 403(b) retirement plan and a generous vacation package.